Harp



April 7, 1931. J. MlLLER 1,799,696

HARP

Filed May 10, 1926 INVEN TOR. JuA N/TA /L 1. 2.

' BY ATTORNEYS.

Patented Apr. 7, 1931 PATENT OFFICE J' UANITA MILLER, OF OAKLAND,CALIFORNIA HARP Application filed May 10, 1926.

My invention relates to improvements in harps, and it consists in thecombinations, constructions, and arrangements, hereinafter described andclaimed.

An object of my invention is to provide a harp which has the framethereof fashioned in the shape of a heart.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the typedescribed which is smaller than the usual harp, so that the harp can bereadily carried by the player, and

which is preferably provided with eight strings, these strings beingtightened to give forth the desired tone when vibrated.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the typedescribed which is extremely simple in construction and which provides aplaying instrument of novel shape, the shape of the instrumentpermitting the instrument to be played in much the same manner as anordinary harp, and without the necessity of using foot pedals as is thecase in standard harps.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following specification,and the novel features of the invention will be particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a partof this aplication, in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of the dev1ceFigure 2 is a section along the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

In carrying out my invention I provide a harp consisting of aheart-shaped frame 1. This frame may be of any desired size, but Iprefer to make it small enough to permit the heart to be readilysupported by the player. A reinforcing bar 2 preferably made of metalextends between the points 3 and 4 in the frame 1. The bar 2 not onlyreinforces the frame 1, but it is positioned close to the strings 5where it will be set into vibration by the vibrating strings, thusmaterially aiding the tone quality given off by the strings. It will beobvious, of course, that the bar 2 may be suspended as by wires betweenthe v points 3 and 4 if so desired, though I prefer Serial N'o. 107,981.

to secure the bar to the frame as above described in order to brace theframe.

In the present form of the device I show eight strings, four of thesestrings bein disposed on each side of the bar 2. hese strings aresecured at their opposite endsrespectively to stationar pegs 6 and screwpegs 9, being interme iately supported by metal bridges 7 and 8. Thepegs 9 are provided with non-circular ends 10 which are adapted toreceive the tuning keys when the player wishes to tighten or loosen oneof the strings.

A metal plate 11 carries the bridge 8 and also carries the metalhousings 12 in which the pegs 9 are threaded by forming the harp in theshape of a heart the lower or pointed end will act as a pivotal pointwhen placed upon a table or other support, thus greatly facilitating theturning or tilting of the instrument as may be required when beingplayed thereupon.

From the foregoing description of the various part-s of the device, theoperation thereof may be readily understood.

The device is primarily designed for a hand harp and for use inaccompanying work only. It is obvious, however, that the size of theharp may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of myinvention. I have shown the harp as being provided with eight strings,these strings being tuned as desired by means of the screw pegs 9. Inthe center of the harp, and at the top thereof, I provide an ornament 13which is preferably heart-shaped.

The peculiar shape of the heart lends itself admirably to the properpositioning of the top and bottom of the frame for providing suflicientlength to the strings 5 for permitting these strings to be tuned asdesired. Moreover, the device does not contemplate using foot pedals forchanging the key of the harp, but the strings are tuned by merelyturning the screw pegs 9, whereupon the harp may be played foraccompaniment purposes.

The device is extremely simple in construction, and makes use of a novelreinforcing bar for augmenting the tones given off by the strings.

I claim 1. A harp, in combination with a plurality of strings; aheart-shaped frame having one face covered by sheet metal flanged overthe inner and outer edges thereof, oppositely disposed bridges formedintegral with said sheet metal facing, and tuning pegs in line with eachpair of bridges.

2. A harp, in combination with 'a plurality of strings; a heart-shapedframe having one face covered by sheet metal flanged over the inner andouter edges thereof, bridges integral with said sheet metal facing andoppositely disposed in parallel relation to a median line through saidframe, a metal strut fixed interiorly of said frame and disposed on themedian line thereofand tuning pegs projecting from said sheet metalfacing and disposed outwardly and parallel to said bridges.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

JUANITA MILLER.

